Nic Eager To Hear ‘Play Ball!’ Andrizzi, Clements Lead Cards Softball Team Into Third Season

Year 1 brought two conference wins. The second season saw seven.

It’s apparent why North Idaho College softball is eager for its third go-around. The Cardinals open their third season of play Saturday against Whitworth in Spokane - or Richland, if the weather intrudes.

“There is so much talent in the region, with Ricks and Utah Valley, every game is going to be tough,” coach Don Don Williams said. “But we have a chance to get up there, too, and be top three.”

NIC (18-27 overall, 7-13 Region 18) returns two All-Region 18 selections in pitcher Cheryl Andrizzi (1.87 ERA) and outfielder Krista Clements (.411).

“We’re expecting Cheryl to pick up where she left off,” Williams said. “Krista batted .411 as a slap hitter, I couldn’t believe it.”

Freshmen Kelli Smith and Lisa Allegrucci also will see time on the mound, pitching to returning catcher Mandy Lawson.

Katy Oglesbee returns at first base and probably will bat fourth or fifth. Lakeland’s Paige Smith figures to play second base and bat second. Freshman Tamara LaCasse is at short, and Coeur d’Alene’s Katelyn Tatum has moved from first to third.

Three freshmen, Lakeland’s Jeri Huber, Deer Park’s Breanne Smith and Montanan Jacki Suden, will see time in the outfield.

“We lost a lot of games in the seventh inning last year,” Williams said. “With our maturity and experience returning, we should play better in the seventh.

“Short-gamewise, we should be more versatile. We have more players that can left-handed slap hit and we’re working on executing bunts and moving runners.”

NIC’s home opener will be played against Columbia Basin on March 21. Region 18 play begins on March 31.